Part One crimes, grand theft auto on decline in Santa Clarita

First quarter shows 35 percent decrease in crime

Santa Clarita saw a significant decline in Part One and grand theft auto crimes during the first three months of 2014 compared to 2013, according to a preliminary report filed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

At the close of March 2014, preliminary reported crime data for the city showed a 35.4 percent decrease in overall Part One crimes (aggravated assault, forcible rape, murder, robbery, arson, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft) compared to the first three months of 2013. The report also shows a 27.1 decrease in grand theft auto crimes for the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013.

“Santa Clarita is consistently ranked among the safest cities in America, and this is due in part to the strong partnership among the city, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department and the community,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “Together, the city and Sheriff’s Department take a personalized approach to crime prevention, from free informative community workshops, to the highly effective Crime Prevention Unit, which allocates specialized teams and resources to targeted ‘zones’ in our city.”

When compared to 2009 (a five-year span), preliminary year-to-date crime data shows a 35.7 percent decrease in Part One crimes and a 50.1 percent decrease in grand theft auto in the city.

“Santa Clarita’s five-year downtrend in local Part One and grand theft auto crimes is a testament to the hard work and proactive approach of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department,” said Santa Clarita City Manager, Ken Striplin. “The Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department works to ensure the safety of our local neighborhoods, businesses and streets by actively forging relationships with residents and business owners, and regularly partnering with the city to offer crime prevention programs and community-based policing.”

For more information on first quarter 2014 crime statistics in the City of Santa Clarita, visit http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_148405.pdf.